ST. LOUIS — On the Rams' first offensive play of the 2011 season, running back Steven Jackson took a handoff from Sam Bradford, burst through the middle and didn't stop until he had crossed the goal line.

That 47-yard touchdown gave the Rams a 7-0 lead over the Philadelphia Eagles and gave a sold out Edward Jones Dome crowd early hope that St. Louis might knock off the so-called "Dream Team."

That hope quickly took a 180-degree turn, however, as Jackson left the field for the locker room immediately after that play. He tried to return — rushing nine yards on the first play of the next series — but had to leave the game with a sore quadriceps.

Cadillac Williams, a free-agent addition in the offseason, took over the primary rushing duties for the Rams, but he didn't have nearly the same impact as Jackson.